Monday, June 29, 2009

Two letters about the streetcar

Posted by The Dean of Cincinnati

Photo courtesy of here.

Since Cincinnatians for Progress won’t answer their emails, I decided to consider other agencies who might have an even more credible opinion on the NAACP/COAST ballot language than local partisans with an agenda.  Below, therefore, are two messages I recently submitted to the Ohio Department of Transportation, and also the Federal Railroad Administration.  Hopefully, they will write back—and rest assured I will post their replies as soon as I receive them.  Among the remaining questions about the Streetcar proposal—which local advocates will not address—some still have real concerns about whether requiring a public vote is really the specter that those opposing the anti-passenger rail initiative suggest.  What does ODOT and FRA have to say on that particular issue?

My message to the FRA:

I have a general inquiry about President Obama’s intercity rail plan as it relates to Cincinnati, Ohio.  As you may know, some groups in Cincinnati are circulating petitions they claim will stop a local streetcar development.  But the language is so broad that, if passed, it would require a public vote prior the City spending any money whatsoever on anything relative to passenger rail.

Opponents of this ballot issue claim a public vote requirement would create an “electoral roadblock” for Cincinnati when it comes to participating in projects like Ohio’s intercity rail proposal.

From the perspective of the Federal Railroad Administration, can you explain the degree to which that criticism is true?  Would a public vote requirement in Cincinnati prior to the City spending any money prevent our inclusion in the current plans?  Are there other cities with similar provisions?

Thanks, in advance, for your time.

Respectfully,

[The Dean of Cincinnati]

My message to ODOT:

I have a question about potential rail developments in Cincinnati, Ohio.  As you may know, a group claiming to oppose a local streetcar proposal is circulating petitions—but the language is very broad and would require a public vote before the City of Cincinnati could spend any money on passenger rail projects of any kind.

It is difficult, locally, to find unbiased perspectives on this scenario, so I’m writing you.  From the perspective of ODOT, would the need to wait for Cincinnati to have a vote have an adverse affect on our City’s ability to participate in rail developments (like Obama’s intercity rail plan or the Eastern Corridor project)?

If the ballot issue fails, this would not be an issue; if it passes, a vote would be required prior to the City spending money.

I’m trying to figure out if requiring a vote is as detrimental as opponents of the issue suggest.

Thanks, in advance, for your time.

Respectfully,

[The Dean of Cincinnati]

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.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) says:
29 Jun 2009  at  06:45 pm | #

Yay!  CFP wrote back!  More as it becomes available!

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